What's the point of Joyce Mujuru?

What's the point of Joyce Mujuru?

JOYCE Mujuru

• Mujuru: a worm in a fish pond

• The end is nigh for the President

• Mujuru sworn in as Zimbabwe's first female VP

• Mugabe silences retirement talk

• Jonathan Moyo dropped from Zanu PF central committee

• Moyo: A cancer Zanu PF cannot deal with

• Mugabe summons Chronicle editor

• Mugabe reprimands his spin doctor

• Mugabe 'frightened' by own spin doctor

• Mugabe's own Joseph Goebbels

• Mnangagwa suffers crushing political defeat

• Mugabe says Zanu PF divided

• Mugabe wants female deputy

• Mnangagwa outsmarted in race for State House

• 'President Mnangagwa will be Zanu PF's Waterloo'

• Moyo clashes with Shamuyarira over Sky

• Nkomo declares war on 'saboteurs and infiltrators'

• Zanu PF editor at war with Moyo

• Mugabe's spin doctor eyes presidency

• Zanu PF at war over Mugabe's successor

New Zimbabwe.com columnist Grace Kwinjeh thinks Joyce Mujuru’s appointment to Vice President was more out of political expediency than any real desire to advance the status of women in Zimbabwe. "Mujuru, sadly, is a beneficiary of everything we have hated about Zanu PF -- dictatorship, tribalism, sexism and lawlessness. The MDC remains the only party that will advance the status of women in spirit and on paper. Fellow women and men, the Zanu PF circus must not divert our attention from the real business of the day, political change though the ballot box"
Do you agree? Send your e-mails to newsdesk@newzimbabwe.com

Editor - I don't agree with Grace Kwinje who like what he terms, a political move, is also trying to do the same for MDC. If you would look at the history of the two parties, Zanu PF, as much as I hate what it stands for, has had a more deliberate policy to promote women.

MDC has no woman in its top executive and I am loss of words about Kwinje's point that MDC has a better plan for women. There are no statistics to back that or even evidence. In the current govt, Mujuru rose to become acting minister of defence, a first for a woman and Kwinje can't trace the facts that Mujuru has been rising, as did Oppah Rushesha Muchinguri when she became fisrt woman governor of Manicaland. The Zanu PF central committee is has more women than MDC, yet Kwinje still see it fits to peddle and empty promise. Mujuru earned it, she rose through the ranks and Kwinje should drop her politics and accept that at least a woman has made history in the motherland. Maybe she will rise and influence on the issues of violence etc. What she needs now is the support of other women, across the political divide. Otherwise, ndosaka vakadzi vasiri kutonga. Kurwa too much.
Peter Moyo
South Africa

Editor - While I accept some of the points raised by Kwinjeh, I believe that Joyce Mujuru deserves a chance. I accept that the way and manner in which she was 'SELECTED' rather than being 'ELECTED' leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Zimbabwe 'THE COUNTRY' should not be taken for granted as if it is somebody's homestead. Neither should it be viewed as a company premises which is run by a group of directors and supervisors.

That is why it is very important that all Zimbabweans should be allowed to participate in the selection of their leaders. I accept that ZANU PF is currently running the government in Zimbabwe and as such may be entitled to the mandate of choosing an individual for the post of Vice-President. I am not convinced that a proper democratic process was followed, judging by what I have read through the media.

As to whether Mrs. Joyce Mujuru qualifies for that post or whether she is a suitable individual, I have no doubt that she has the ability. To me, she remains one of the most dedicated and commited daughters of Zimbabwe. Her contribution towards the liberation of Zimbabwe from a world where 'DEMOCRACY' was never meant for the black person. I had the chance and opportunity to vote her into the office of President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I would certainly do so on.

"Whether you support Zanu-PF or not, you might be left with no choice.You just have got to admire this woman"

DANIEL F MOLOKELA

But I would only do that subject to the following conditions which matter most to me. 01-That she proves that democracy in Zimbabwe is the only means by which Zimbabwe can take its place amongst the economic giants of the world; 02 - That no individual in Zimbabwe should be exposed to any form of harrassment because of his political or social beliefs; 03-That the Justice System in Zimbabwe is completely changed to ensure that no person, inclusive of the President, should be above the law; 04-That all Zimbabweans are protected by their country irregardless of colour or creed.

If she is committed to my beliefs, I would certainly vote for her. At the moment all I can only say is 'Congradulations Mrs Joyce Mujuru - Zimbabwe is in need of your help!'
K. CHAWAS
UK

Editor - I am not a ZANU PF supporter but is it really necessary to use such derogatory banner headlineg ( Fatty Boom). That this tabloid approach trivialises some of the important issues that you discuss. Come on guys, get serious.
Tapiwa Muzvondiwa
London

Editor - I just want to raise my concern about your headline today. I see you wrote "Fatty Boom", which I assume is in reference to Joyce Mujuru. I find that headline very insulting indeed. You might not like her, or she may be fat, but I do not think it was wise to put such a headline. Such a headline may surely alienate your "paper" from a lot of people. A more diplomatic tone will certainly win you a lot of friends. Otherwise, I certainly enjoy your publication, please keep it up!!
God bless you.
Alaster
Namibia

Editor - Whether I support Zanu-PF not, that title is denegrating to women and the editor of this paper should apologise. Take a close look at your black sisters, mothers, grandmothers etc and hang your arrogent head in shame. Think through some of your headliners lest you really rivialize your edition. As for the writer who will never be ruled by a woman, you have your own insecurity issues. Our mothers made most of us who we are - if yours didn't then deal with that ISSUE but do not disrespect women' abilities.
Mallory Gruhn
UK

Editor - You only have to look at the general population of Zimbabwe to ascertain that the woman is way too fat to have the interests of anyone at heart. She looks way too overfed and definitely doesn't strike me as being a fair representation of a Zimbabwean, let alone a representative.
What is she going to advocate for that will feed us and how is she going to start talking about anything now when she has had 24 years to do so and yet done nothing till today. She might mean something to Zezurus, but she is just another hog in my fields as far as I am concerned in Tsholotsho, Lupane, Plumtree, Binga not forgeting Gwanda and Beitbridge.
Poor as we are down here, we don't enjoy the sight of yet another thief dressed in woman garb and paraded in colourful motorcades. At least we have no road in Lupane so she won't have to come here and remind us of anything that she has done for us these past 24 years. Kunzima laphe 'sikhona.
God help us.
Mduduzi KaTauzen
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Editor - There is nothing special about Joyce Mujuru apart from the fact that she happens to be married to one Rex Nhongo aka king maker of Zanu PF. She is just a corrupt "fat boom". I remember here very well when Strive Masiyiwa was striving to get a license to operate a mobile network in Zim. Joyce was an acting sinster of Communication and did all she could to advance the interests of the company in which her husband had interests. She even crossed paths with Joshua Nkomo who had advocated for fair play. Mumari mavakanyura nemurume wake umu hamusi medikita.
Vanhu vane uwori ava.
Joshua Mataire
UK

Editor - Inyika ngani dzine maPresidents echikadzi? We do not deserve this circus. I think ZANU PF will be split along ethnic divides because of this "super Zezuru" thing. Ini hangu handina anything against Mai Mujuru, but hazvingoita chete kutongwa nemukadzi.
Losaz
UK

Editor - Losaz represents everything that is bad about the third world. In his small
mindedness a woman should never rule a country. Like they say it is better
to be quiet and be thought a fool than talk, and remove the doubt. If sister
Joyce was good enough to fight for the country then someone tell me why she
is now not good enough to lead it? Relegating women to the bedrooms and
kitchens is what dropped us in this mess in the first place. Remember when
Sally was still alive and she kept a check on Bob? We were okay then. As
soon as he married this spineless and money grabbing Grace things took a
downturn. What Losaz needs is a new brain just like Bob and his 'war
cabinet' if I could have my way I would have sister Joyce as President,
Margaret Dongo as her deputy and have no more than five men in the cabinet.
We are sick and tired of being politically molested by these so called
educated fat cats who have plundered our once self reliant country.
I have spoken
Douglas
UK

Editor - Asi nhai varume makanganwa chazuro nehope!!! Muchayeuka here macorrupt deals which Joyce was involved pama foreign bids!! Check your records. Wezhira anopota achidzokera achiongorora nhoroondo. If there is one man that Bob fears ndiSolomon Mujuru. Ndapedza hangu thats the basis for this appointment!!
DG Wezhira
UK

Editor - I am not used to gossiping and this is not gossiping. I've from people taliking in whispers that te second vice president and her husband divorced long back and that the president told them not to make it public. Is this true nhai Newzimbabwe.com. I know you have means to find out about this one. Please do us a favour. If it is true is it possible that the retired General can now safely claim maintenance?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Ah1 Hameno.
William Mbabo
UK

Editor - Grace Kwinjeh is a Dis-Grace. It's either she is happy a woman has been uplifted or not. Her argument doesn't hold water.
Paul Nyakezha
Sweden

"I know her as the first woman and the youngest Zimbabwean "girl" (to borrow the late vice president J.Nkomo's term) to insult a member of the presidium by mocking his poor health and get away with it"

P, BULAWAYO

Editor - Personally I dont care whether Mujuru is vice President or not , the whole zanu pf party and gvt needs to be scrapped , They are all arrogant ,intollerant , brutal ,old fashioned in their thinking and resistant to change. so I dont think Mujuru will elavate the position of zimbabwean women , she will just follow the footsteps of Mugabe because thats the only politics she Knows and she probably admires him for his dictatorship style of leadership. Mugabe doesnt believe in democracy and do you all believe that he will appoint a deputy who believes in democracy.I dont think so . The people of zimbabwe should have given a chance to choose their vice president and i dont think they would have chosen her. I am just curious ,is she educated?? she doesnt look like an intelligent woman to me.
Cleys
UK

Editor - Who is Mujuru? Can we have her full biography which includes what she was doing between 1980 and 1987 when Mugabe was hunting 'the cobra in the grass'. What was here contribution during that period? We need to be told so that we could judge her by her deeds and not her structure. But considering that Rex Nhongo was at the helm of the army , they made some of the decisions in bed. I will wait until such a time when I have researched much about her. We have to know that the peticourt government led by Mujuru will not take us anywhere good people. Mujuru for president thats the joke of the year surely. ZANU pf thinks its a good exmas present. Fortune Mguni tried to say nice things about Mujuru BUT why only dwell on the good things that she's done and not enlighten us on all her activities. Mguni next time give us all the side so that we could be left in a better possition to evaluate for ourselves. This is a good discussion issue lets talk, Asikhulumeni.
Luyanda Mthangala
UK

Editor - I am pleased to introduce to you the lady of the moment in Zimbabwean politics!

Be pleased to meet Joyce Mujuru (nee Mugari). She is also known by her liberation war name, Teurai Ropa Nhongo.

Joyce is a woman of many achievements. Among her feats are the following (You better believe it's facts):

* She was born in 1955 but in 1973 at the age of 18, she skipped the country to join the Zanla forces

* In 1977, she married Solomon Mujuru (Rex Nhongo) Her husband is the first ever army Commander in Zimbabwe. Though retired now, he is still seen as very
influential kingmaker in Zanu-PF politics.

* In 1980 she was elected into Parliament. This make her not only the youngest Zanu-PF MP ever but also the youngest female MP ever!!!

* Also in 1980, she was appointed into the Cabinet. This also makes her the youngest Cabinet Minister in Zimbabwe ever but also the youngest female minister ever!!!

* Joyce is the only female minister who has been in all Mugabe's Cabinets since 1980.

* Joyce is one of the few Zimbabwean politicians who has been in Parliament from its first day in 1980 up to now.

* Added to that, she is one of the few MPs who are guaranteed of re-election in the March 2005 polls

* Joyce is one of the most religious politicians not only in Zanu-PF but also at the entire national political level. She is a very active member of the Salvation Army Church in Harare

* And now she is poised to better all her previous records by becoming the first ever female member of the Zanu PF presidium and also the first female VP in Zimbabwe!!

* She will also be the first female VP in Southern Africa

* When Mugabe steps down, she may become Zimbabwe and Africa's first female President!

She will only turn 50 years sometime in 2005. This makes her even younger than MDC's Morgan Tsvangirai. Unbelievable! Whether you support Zanu-PF or not, you might be left with no choice.You just have got to admire this woman.
Daniel Fortune Molokela
Johannesburg

Editor - I feel so much ashamed to say the least about this selection process. To start with, Zimbabwe needs only one VP. It was understood to have two VPs just after the so-called unity. But years later, given the economic disaster under way, Zimbabwe would well do with a trimmed parliament and cabinet. Sadly they continue selecting each other and recycling each other just like that. Teurai Ropa fought the war just like many other men and women out there.

"Think of it, was it only Mujuru's wife who went to war and downed a helicopter? When will Mujuru (husband) stop influencing Mugabe in decision making?"

RUDO, ZIMBABWE

She was just lucky to have been wife to a chef, else she simply deserved the same demobilization money and off she would be let loose, like all war veretans. Then when she was made minister, it was in this same spirit of covering face for women, when in reality nothing was forthcoming from her head. Count the many ministerial posts she held as Mugabe tried hard to find a suitable ministry she could lead, and see what she did in each, you will realise that those who are wishing for "chance/change" and so much hope have lost their minds to remember all this.

Daniel Fortune Molokela, Johannesburg goes on to put a list of issues she has to attend to as if she is now president. Sorry man, in Zimbabwe we do not see it that way. Her job is to raise hands when bills and legislation are being passed so long as the craftmen of these evil intents are from ZanuPF. Think of it, was it only Mujuru's wife who went to war and downed a helicopter? When will Mujuru (husband) stop influencing Mugabe in decision making? While I feel relieved that Mnangagwa played the wrong cards and thus lost (for he is more evil than Mujuru), Mujuru herself has nothing to offer and has just been used as a block. If Mujuru never stood up for women ever since she was minister, or even raised any arguements in parliament, then we will be missing Muzenda, especially his jokes greatly.
Rudo
Zimbabwe

Editor - I hate critiising other people through the press but Molokela supports Mujuru's election or selection for the wrong reason. He is obviously so excited about Mujuru's position that he thinks the woman is a great achiever. First this, first that ever. Even mariage to Mujuru and young age is an unparralled achievement! Does it occur to him that their other people who joined the liberation struggle at a younger age than 18. She got married during the war, so he says? If you are Mujuru's fan tell us how she has helped the nation in the years she has been in "all Mugabe's cabinets." If you do not remember anything really special about her contributions and still feel that the reasons you have given for your excitement are still plausible please get into your blankets and celebrate whilst under them for your celebration would be equally meaningless.

I know her as the first woman and the youngest Zimbabwean "girl" (to borrow the late vice president J.Nkomo's term) to insult a member of the presidium by mocking his poor health and get away with it. She once said Shangani dam is too big for Bulawayo's water requirements. Up to now there has been no major development regarding the much talked about Matabeleland Zambezi water project. I hope that project will not be dragged from the intensive care unit to be left to die a natural death in the open sands. What about tender procedures? "Lady of the moment in Zimbabwean politics", I do not believe that. Molokela is in Jourbeg and probably reading about everything through his favourate paper that writes stories he enjoys believing.

Our presidium are the people who make decisions that will affect generations to come, yes they tell everybody else how to choose good leaders and who those good leaders are as we have witnessed in the past few days. So for someone to be included into such a high and critical decision making office in the land just for gender reasons makes me an unhappy subject. Why decorate the presidium just for the sack of being seen to be gender sensitive? Zimbabwe is not ready for a petticoat government. There is a lot of areas where Zimbabweans can make good history just like we did when Joshua Nkomo put aside his personal political ambitions by agreeing to the 1987 unity accord leading to peace and stability in the country. This first, first and ever,ever is not impressive at all. We want achievements for the betterment of a common man not for oneself and family. What did a man in the street benefit from her marriage during the peak of the struggle in 1977 when other men's marriages were breaking up because of the armed struggle? We are taking equal rights too far too early. Our age and culture is not ready for that, but for more simingly minor and basic rights. We must get there through gradual development not through sudden stampeded processes. President Mugabe once complained a few years ago that Zvekuti tiwashee-wo manapkin aiwa "Atisati tazvijwayira."madzimai. We have to get used to washing napkins and plates before getting used to a woman president.

Zvekuti titongwe nemukadzi hatshi bo asikakujwayeli.The Majority of self respecting Zimbabwean women will agree with me. The bible will agree with me also, it is unAfrican to have a woman for president.I am embarrassed.
Silent observer
Bulawayo

Editor - As the political circus in ZANU PF unfolds, many people were actually surprised on how the ruling party unashamedly managed to set aside the party constitution and their policy of seniority just to fulfill personal vendettas. Yes Mujuru has landed the post of vice president but what criteria was used, was it through her ability, was it through popular support within the party, is it a victory for women of Zimbabwe or she is just a pawn in the political filed?

"I have nothing against Mujuru but I just can't bring myself to accept being ruled by a woman"

LOSAZ, UK

From my own point of view, I feel very sorry for women of Zimbabwe, why, they are allowing themselves to be used as political shields not because they have the ability or the clout to represent themselves in politics but for the convinience of their male counterparts. The true story in ZANU PF is that, tribalism and factionalism are the conveyer belts of political survival. It is a public secret that, Mnangagwa earned himself enemies within ZANU PF, his political career was not so rosy since the days of Gukurahundi and of late corporate scandals, there are people who worked flat out to block him from getting any high post.(including first secretary of the party). How they managed to block him.

Firstly they realised that Mnangagwa could have easly ganered support from more than six provinces compared to the unimpressive Mujuru, for whatever reason an emergency politbro meeting come out with a dictatorial move that will see one of the vice - presidency to be a woman ( remember how Lesabe was denied that chance last time), this was done not because they really want a woman but to block Mnangagwa and that was the only way to stop him, so as I see it Mai Mujuru is just a place holder for someone, someone will be calling the shots for her, she is a mere political shield, to women of Zimbabwe let me say that you have nothing at the moment, you allowed yourselve to be used and thats it, nothing else.

Mai Mujuru will never be Margaret Thatcher, Thatcher worked independently and she defeated man among man, hence she get my respect, Victoria Arroyo, she is a lady of substance, Megawat is another example, lets talk of a real women the current speaker of AU parliament, Winnie Mandela, Margaret Dongo, Sally Mugabe, among others, these ladies worked tirelessly to earn support and respect. I have nothing against Mai Mujuru but she is getting a post not because of her qualities, het sweat but just pushed to block Mnangagwa, she already lost my respect.

Telling it like it Is.
Elijah
Harare
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